Many enthusiasts contend that the C2’s release marked the moment when the Chevrolet Corvette came of age. Chevrolet didn’t merely focus on giving its latest offering a sleek new body; it also reengineered the car to deliver handling that matches its performance potential. And when it comes to performance potential, this ’63 Convertible delivers, because its engine bay houses the incredibly desirable “Fuelie” version of the 327ci V8. The car presents well, seemingly in need of nothing but a new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this beauty listed here on Craigslist in Auburn, Washington. The seller set their price at $67,500 for a car that is a turnkey proposition.
Chevrolet introduced the C2 Corvette for the 1963 model year, and it was an immediate success. The first-year sales tally of 21,413 vehicles set a new record, almost 50% higher than the previous best. Part of the secret to the latest model’s success was the company’s decision to introduce a Coupe variant, which accounted for almost half of all Corvettes sold in 1963. This first-year Convertible is a tidy classic finished in what the seller claims is its correct shade of Ermine White. There isn’t much to criticize about its appearance, with sparkling paint, excellent fiberglass, and no significant cosmetic shortcomings. The ‘Vette features a White soft-top and a color-matched hardtop, with both in good condition. The trim and glass are impressive for their age, but it is the subtle fender badges that tell the world that this Convertible is more than a pretty face.
Although Chevrolet made substantial mechanical changes when it introduced the C2 Corvette, one feature from its predecessor that remained available was the 327ci “Fuelie” V8. It generated 360hp and 352 ft/lbs of torque, making the Corvette a genuinely potent sports car that could effectively compete with European models. This Convertible features that motor, bolted to a four-speed manual transmission. The seller doesn’t specifically state that this car left the line as a Fuelie, but that is the impression conveyed. The engine block isn’t original, although it features the correct casting codes. They recently had the fuel injection system inspected and serviced, confirming that this Corvette runs and drives perfectly.
This Corvette’s interior features the correct and dazzling Red trim. The crystal-clear gauge cluster includes the correct tachometer for a Fuelie, with the remaining dash components in excellent condition. There is no upholstery or carpet wear, no evidence of abuse, and the wheel is crack-free. Almost 43% of ’63 Corvette buyers equipped their new purchase with an AM/FM radio, and this is one of those cars.
If this 1963 Chevrolet Corvette “Fuelie” Convertible were a numbers-matching classic, its condition could push its value into the six-figure range. However, it doesn’t tick that box, which impacts its investment potential. That being said, the seller’s price still looks extremely competitive. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue this classic further?
What happened to the two simulated air intakes on the hood, visual cues for ’63?
He says in the add that he has a ’63 hood for the car that needs to be painted. Curious why it was not painted and installed just states he has the hood.
He says in the add that he has a ’63 hood for the car that needs to be painted. Curious why it was not painted and installed just states he has the hood.
The price is almost too good to be true. Possible red flags?
I kind of agree with Mike, this appears to be a a pretty nice example of a ’63 fueler, so I’m a little suspicious of the price. Even being non numbers matching , I would expect to see the seller pushing an asking price close to 100K.
Not listing the VIN on a Craigslist ad should be a clue. Ad also calls it a coupe. Still a very nice car and the price seems reasonable.
Wrong hood, wrong shifter, makes you wonder what else might be wrong.
1963 Fuelie for $62.5K BIN??? Seems mighty low. And where are the pix of the frame?
Ages 10-13, This was the centerfold on my bedroom wall. (Only with black paint) Yes, I agree that the price, hood, shifter, etc. Indicate a non original car. Possibly not even a factory fuel injection car. BUT, If I bought the car, I would buy it to drive. And most of these “,original ” cars will be sealed up in a garage somewhere. If it runs and drives correctly, then the price is commensurate for a nice driver. Are you a user, collector or investor? Personally I’m a user.
I once owned a ’63 Coupe, and looking at the available photos of this interior something to me isn’t quite right. I can’t put my finger on it, but I would like to see a NCRS report on this before I made an offer.
The hood is obvious, but there’s just something else that isn’t right.
The seller doesn’t seem to be representing this às a factory correct car, which tends to make me rethink my earlier post re: the price. $67,000 may be fairly reasonable for a well done, but not perfect clone. I certainly wouldn’t hesitate to buy it if it checked out mechanically and structurally (although I already own my forever plastic fantastic lover)
Yep…..a CL ad for a high dollar car cost about $5.00…gots to wonder.
Classics.com has a twin to this car, with the correct hood and the Kelsey Hayes knock-off style wheels, listed for $65k so I don’t think the asking price is out of line. Yes there are some things that aren’t as they were 60+ years ago when this car was new but that shouldn’t be a big surprise to anyone.